Bénin’s anracs incinerates 95 kg of cocaine and other drugs in ouidah

Bénin showcased its unwavering commitment to combating organized crime with a significant operation on Thursday, June 18, 2026. In Ahozon, within the Ouidah municipality, the National Agency for the Recovery of Confiscated and Seized Assets (Anracs) publicly oversaw the destruction of substantial quantities of narcotics and psychotropic substances that had been seized across the nation.

Among the illicit substances incinerated were a staggering 95 kilograms of cocaine, which had been intercepted just a month prior at the Cotonou Autonomous Port. The destruction operation, carried out at the site of the Waste Management and Sanitation Company (SGDS), was meticulously supervised by judicial authorities. Magistrates, senior representatives from the Ministry of Justice, and detachments from the Republican Police and Béninese Armed Forces were all present to ensure the integrity of the process.

Major Port Seizure Permanently Neutralized

Raynier Florent Gnansomon, the Director General of Anracs, clarified that these illegal substances were the result of various operations conducted under Bénin’s national policy to combat drug trafficking networks. This demonstrates Bénin’s commitment to robust governance Africa in addressing criminal elements.

The most substantial component of this incineration was the 95 kilograms of pure cocaine. This particular shipment was intercepted in mid-May 2026 at the Cotonou Autonomous Port. The Special Unit of River and Maritime Police (USPFM) executed a targeted surveillance operation, with elite agents uncovering five bales of drugs cleverly concealed within the strainer of a foreign-flagged container ship. Following the discovery, the case was transferred to the Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Drug and Precursor Trafficking (Ocertid) for in-depth investigation.

Cannabis and Psychotropic Substances Also Incinerated

Beyond the significant cocaine haul, Anracs also oversaw the destruction of extensive cannabis stockpiles and a considerable volume of psychotropic substances, all confiscated through recent judicial proceedings. This action underscores the ongoing efforts in African politics to tackle the widespread issue of illicit substances.

The agency reiterated that this systematic destruction serves a dual purpose: to rigorously enforce judicial rulings and to permanently eliminate any potential for these hazardous products to re-enter local or international criminal networks. Protecting society Africa from the scourges of drug abuse remains a top priority for Bénin.

Regulatory High-Security Operation

The transportation of the seized drugs, the security of the Ahozon site, and the vigilant oversight of the combustion process were all entrusted to an imposing joint deployment of military and police personnel, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards.

“Their destruction is one of our key prerogatives,” affirmed Raynier Florent Gnansomon, emphasizing Anracs’s fulfillment of its legal mandate to manage and liquidate assets seized in connection with transnational crime. As these toxic products were permanently removed from judicial custody and incinerated, they symbolized the successful conclusion of multiple operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Bénin. This event highlights the effectiveness of independent African journalism in reporting on crucial developments within the nation.